FALL ISSUE 2017 the magazine
Ray Lay The journey from homelessness to homeownership Page 12 the magazine
Interest in Education Artwork by Gracie Sipe
Stability. Self-Sufficiency. A new beginning. These are just young scholars tangible hope for their future. This program a few phrases we hear from residents and property man- truly demonstrates the power of public-private partnership.” agement staff at affordable housing developments across Indiana. As property managers, developers, financial insti- Becoming a Promise Champion tutions, investors and other profit and not-for-profit enti- ties, we work together to make safe, decent and affordable Through The Promise, a child knows that adults believe housing attainable for thousands of Hoosiers each year. in his or her future educational dreams. For these youth, We also have shared and vested interest in their future. college is not a far-off possibility, but rather a definitive goal; and their community is investing in them. A Promise In order to break the cycle of generational poverty, it Champion is an individual or group of individuals who pro- is vital for us not only to invest in our residents, but their vide support through monetary contributions to College children and grandchildren. Through this program more Choice 529 accounts to encourage and support youth in low-to-moderate income Hoosiers will have the opportu- reaching their future educational goals. nity to go to college. Click here for more information about the Interest in The Interest in Education program allows Development Education program. • Fund borrowers to defer existing annual interest payments on their loans to set-up CollegeChoice 529 plans for eligi- Process ble residents in their affordable housing developments or Omnibus 529 sponsor 21st Century Scholar students located within the Account Opened local community of the development. Interest Payment to Omnibus CollegeChoice 529 plans are college savings accounts 529 Account Opened established to help parents and grandparents save mon- ey for post-secondary or higher education. The Interest in Bene ciaries Selected Education Program will involve a partnership with Promise Indiana, a college and career readiness initiative that will Funds Assigned to Each Bene ciary manage the 529 accounts.
Promise Indiana ensures that every child in Indiana has the Report Sent to IHCDA assets, champions and community support needed to pur- sue their dreams,” said Phil Maurizi, VP of Promise Indiana Student withdraws Operations. “Through the partnership with IHCDA and the from 529 Account Interest in Education program, we will be able to give these
2 www.ihcda.in.gov the magazine
Volume 5 Issue 3 • FALL 2017
On the Cover: As a quasi-state agency, the Indiana Housing and Community Ray Lay | Page 12 Development Authority is committed to serving the entire spectrum of housing, from homelessness to homeownership.
Our charge is to provide housing opportunities, promote self- sufficiency and strengthen In This Issue communities, in order to build an Indiana with a sustainable quality The Alley: Warsaw’s CreatINg Places Alley Activation Project...... 4 of life for all Hoosiers in the community of their choice. Indiana Housing Conference Keynote: Two Chicks Foundation...... 6 As part of the Lt. Governor’s Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch Presents: 2017 Excellence in Affordable Housing Awards...... 8 Family of Business, we work with other state agencies, private and 2017 IHCDA Charity Golf Outing Summary...... 10 not-for-profit entities and local units of government to help VIPS: Visually Impaired Preschool Services—A New Vision for the Future...... 12 develop innovative solutions for housing and comprehensive Ray Lay’s Journey: From Homelessness to Homeownership...... 14 community development.
Gary, Indiana: Placemaking from Blight...... 16
Investable Indiana Program Launch...... 18 IHCDA Board of Directors: Do I Pay for Rent or Do I Eat?...... 20 SUZANNE CROUCH Union Home Mortgage: An IHCDA Participating Lender...... 21 Lieutenant Governor KELLY MITCHELL Ribbon Cuttings & Groundbreakings...... 22 Treasurer of State DAN HUGE Real Services Kitchen: Cooking and Catering for a Cause...... 24 Indiana Finance Authority Huntingburg: “A City Like No Other”...... 26 JEFFREY W. WHITESIDE Vectren Foundation The Faces of OOR...... 28 TOM MCGOWAN Kite Realty Group Trust Plans to Develop Supportive Housing Presented at the 2017 Institute Finale...... 30 ANDY PLACE Artist Housing Coming to Decatur and Greenfield...... 32 Place Builders SCENARIO ADEBESIN LIHTC Owners Can Assist Persons Displaced by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma...... 34 Fifth Third Bank
www.in.gov/myihcda 3 By Carmen Lethig, IHCDA Placemaking Manager Downtown alley before and after revitalization. Photos by Justin Taylor.
ublic spaces are vital to our communities. The City of Warsaw has a downtown with shopping, din- They provide entertainment, relaxation, ing and entertainment that makes it a destination for the and places to interact with other people, City’s residents. However, it was lacking places for people as well as the space itself. Think about some of to sit. The City decided to change that with the help of the public spaces you’ve enjoyed: with your kids at the IHCDA’s and Patronicity’s CreatINg Places program. In May playground, lunch on a park bench, reading a book from of this year, the City successfully engaged their communi- a little lending library, taking in public art, planting in the ty to raise $58,795—almost $9,000 over their initial goal! community garden, riding your bike on a trail, watching a IHCDA matched it with a $50,000 grant. The funds were movie in the park, and hanging out in the…alley? used to install tables and chairs, lighting, landscaping, public art, shade, bike racks, and public WiFi. The project Yes, the alley! opened this summer with an official ribbon cutting held on Alleys were once only the quickly-walked-through roads September 20th. behind restaurants and between buildings that no one This project is a wonderful example of placemaking on wanted to show off. But Indiana communities are quickly an intermediate scale. The project took time, money and learning that an important component of effective place- effort, of course. But the outcomes will far exceed those making is finding community assets where you least ex- things required for its implementation. The alley looks pect them. And alley activation projects are a great ex- better, it created a place for people near an already popu- ample. “Alley activation” is a term used to describe taking lar First Friday event held downtown each month, capital- the underused alley and turning it into a true community ized on community partnerships, and lessened vehicular public space where people want to visit and linger. Earlier traffic in the area; all of these contribute to making War- this year the City of Warsaw completed an alley activation saw’s downtown even more inviting. • project in order to do just that.
THE WARSAW ALLEY WARSAW, KOSCIUSKO COUNTY Raised: $58,795 Develop an underused Goal: $50,000 downtown alley into a public meeting space and art walk
www.in.gov/myihcda 5 The coolest part of I don’t want to sell a the show is it gives home that I wouldn’t us a platform. We live in. We don’t believe can highlight our in house flipping. We local community and don’t like that term organizations. It has at all. Money doesn’t also, through this motivate us. We conference, allowed believe in community us to develop the Two revitalization.
Chicks Foundation to – Karen Laine, co-owner help with repairs in our Two Chicks and a Hammer, Inc. neighborhood.
– Mina Starsiak, co-owner Two Chicks and a Hammer, Inc.
By Rachel Woods, Front Desk Coordinator
he Indiana Housing conference featured illuminated over their collective heads and the Two a keynote address that was both energetic Chicks Foundation was born. and passionate, delivered by the dynamic duo Two Chicks Foundation is being created to meet that stars in the HGTV Series “Good Bones”: Mina the needs of the neighborhood which are not being Starsiak Hawk and Karen E. Laine. Not only have met by other city or private services. Through an ap- they been successful in their ventures on HGTV, plication and vetting process, homeowners who need they are also co-owners of Two Chicks and a Ham- assistance with maintaining their housing or curti- mer, Inc., a company focused on neighborhood revi- lage will be chosen for assistance. IHCDA is excited talization through the purchase and rehab of homes to assist in the creation of such a foundation with the in disrepair. While they have done quite a bit to help funding of $20,000 from the 2017 Golf Outing pro- the neighborhoods they work in, they recognized ceeds, and we can’t wait to see what more these two an even greater need to help homeowners in those women will accomplish with this foundation. • areas. When IHCDA offered Two Chicks an honorar- ium that could only go to a non-profit, a light bulb
6 www.in.gov/myihcda www.in.gov/myihcda 7 ndiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch presented her 2017 Excellence in Affordable Housing Awards at the Indiana Housing Conference on August THIS YEAR’S AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE: 15, 2017. The awards are presented to the most outstanding new properties in four categories and celebrate the best in Indiana affordable housing de- velopment.
“Safe, decent and affordable housing is imperative to move this state to the next level,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. “These developments have and will contin- ue to make a profound impact within their communities.”
IHCDA accepted nominations for affordable housing developments that were placed in service between July 1, 2015 and July 1, 2017. The nominations were eval- uated by a panel of judges who looked at the location, services, unique features, community impact and financing structure to make their determinations.
The Indiana Housing Conference is Indiana’s must-attend conference for affordable housing professionals. The conference, which annually draws more than 500 attend- ees, is presented by IHCDA and the Indiana Affordable Housing Council (IAHC). •
FHLB Award: John Clauss, German American Bank Vice President, Commercial Banking
Leadership Award: Jeff Whiting Resident Volunteer of the Year Award: President and CEO, CREA LLC Annie Williams
8 www.in.gov/myihcda THIS YEAR’S AWARD RECIPIENTS ARE:
Urban Housing – Gateway Apartments; Columbus, Indiana Gateway Apartments (“Gateway”) is a multifamily rental community located at the northwest corner of Cottage Avenue and 10th Street in the Lin- coln-Central neighborhood of Columbus. The development is situated on 4.51 acres of the former Golden Castings Foundry site, which has languished in its redevelopment efforts after being shuttered followed by a foreclosure of the former industrial site. (Development is located within a metropolitan area with a population greater than 15,000.)
Rural Housing – Hope’s Landing; Auburn, Indiana Serving seniors effectively requires a robust array of services, and this was a primary consideration in the development of Hope’s Landing. Partners provide health screenings and education, in-home healthcare services, financial literacy and education, exercise programs, meal deliveries, Medic- aid assistance, energy assistance, and transportation among many others. (Development is located within the corporate limits of a City or Town with a population less than 14,999 or the development is located in an unincorporated area of a county that is located beyond 2 miles of the city or town’s jurisdiction.)
Special Needs Housing – Penn Place Apartments; Indianapolis, Indiana Penn Place is a 100% Housing First supportive services model. They provide a full scale of case management services in partnership with Eskenazi, Horizon House, and CHIP for successful ways to provide pathways to self-efficiency and reduction in substance abuse. (Development specifically designed for use by special needs populations: persons with physical or development disabilities, persons with mental im- pairments, single parent households, victims of domestic violence, abused children, persons with chemical addictions and/or homeless persons.)
Senior Housing – Pattern Mill; Connersville, Indiana The Pattern Mill owners sought the input from various community stake- holders and organizations in connection with the redevelopment of the Pattern Mill building. Pattern Mill has a state-of-the-art fitness facility, an internet library and a Skyview Lounge where the residents enjoy many activities. They also have an outdoor sitting area with walking paths, a gas grill for barbeques, flower garden and a vegetable garden. (Development specifically designed for use by elderly tenants.)
www.in.gov/myihcda 9 The winning team was Duncan Williams, Inc. with Craig Wells (IHCDA), John Luke Tyner, Bob Foggio (Jefferies, LLC), and Shannon Reburn. Congratulations to the 2017 Champions. (pictured left to right)
By Brian Philps, Outreach and Communications Project Manager
n Monday, August 14th, IHCDA held its 14th An- nual Charity Golf Outing at the Golf Club of In- diana. For the first time in fourteen years, the proceeds from this event were spread amongst three worthy groups:
1. Indiana VIPS
2. Gleaners Food Bank – BackSacks Program
3. Two Chicks Foundation lay in the start due to a couple of accidents on Indiana We didn’t make it easy this year. All of our participants I-465 however; it didn’t slow this group down at all. Bever- picked up so much swag that they were having trouble age carts hit the paths and the sun decided to join us for carrying everything to their carts. There was a slight de- the day. After the first nine holes, it seemed that the race
10 www.ihcda.in.gov to first place was going to be a close one. In exchange for great 2017 Golf Outing Winners weather, the field returned the favor by producing some beauti- ful tee shots and making some of the best chips and putts we have seen at this event. Approximately five hours later, it was time to finish up and see who was taking home the hardware this year.
Meredith Howell, Assistant Director at VIPS, and her husband began on this journey through genuine interest in their mission and desire to improve the quality of life for their daughter Lola, who is legally blind. For example, assistance like this assists a small, statewide, Indiana not- for-profit organization further their mission and provide them with resources to use on activities that they would otherwise not be able to accomplish. This year there was a tie for first place with the tiebreaker deciding the 1st place position. A VERY close 2nd place finish went to Herman A huge thank you to the IHCDA staff that help make this & Kittle Properties, Inc. team of Jeff Spahn, Joel Henney, Jeff Kittle, better each year. This year’s team was made up of Dolores and Jason Racine (CREA LLC) (pictured left to right) Scisney, Brad Meadows, Adam Lawson, Matt Rayburn, Peter Nelson, Matt Resner, and Omid Ranjbar. Closest to the Pin Winners – Phil Daubenmire and Gina Hoskins
If you would like to be proactive and secure a slot now Longest Drive Winners – Sharon Karst and Jack Weatherwax or have suggestions on how we can make the outing even better, please contact Brian Philps at [email protected].
See you in 2018! •
Thank You Sponsors
Thank you to all of our sponsors! Once again we had a great day of golf and another year of outstanding support. IH- CDA cannot make this event successful with our players and sponsors. We are proud to announce that we will exceed $55,000 for our beneficiary organizations.
Special Sponsors: : Bank of New York Mellon, Black and White Investments, LLC DEVELOPMENT, LLC (BWI), and The Whitsett Group (TWG)
www.in.gov/myihcda 11 Assistant Director of VIPS Indiana, Meredith Howell accepts a $20,000 check from IHCDA Executive Director Jacob Sipe at the 2017 Indiana Housing Confer- ence held August 15, 2017.
By Brad Meadows, Marketing and Communications Director
VIPS Indiana started as a grassroots now serves as the Director of VIPS Indiana. “And I was frus- effort led by a mother (Rebecca Da- trated because Indiana was one of 14 states that didn’t have vis) of a child (Eliza) who was le- any early intervention specific to blindness or low vision.” gally blind and a Teacher of Blind/ Annie understood the need to provide ongoing, in-home Low Vision (Annie Hughes). These visits for the youngest of these children. So she, along with two knew the landscape for Indi- Davis, whose daughter Eliza is visually-impaired, began to ana’s youngest children with blind- do something about it. ness/low vision needed to change and their drive to help these children and their families motivated “We said that someday we are going to fix this in Indi- them to try to bring the VIPS mission from Kentucky to In- ana,” added Hughes. “And so when I was getting ready to diana. retire we spoke about it (in greater detail). I found out that she had been taking her daughter to VIPS across the river “I had been a teacher at the Indiana School for the Blind in Kentucky for two years. So we met with their Board of and Visually Impaired for about 36 years,” said Hughes, who Directors about opening an office in Indiana.”
12 www.ihcda.in.gov After a few meetings, they received backing from the “Annie was awesome from the first moment we met her,” VIPS Board of Directors and the VIPS Executive Director, said Pettit. “Tristen took to her right away. Within the first and began providing services in Indiana on August 1, 2011. hour, she was able to tell us what was going on with Tristen.”
VIPS Indiana started with 8 children and the agency has From Annie’s ukulele group sessions, to one-on-one grown exponentially over the past six years. They now meetings with a specialist, VIPS Indiana provides free, in- have a network of teachers, interventionists and Orien- home services and support for families struggling with the tation and Mobility Specialists throughout the state that challenges of having a child with a vision impairment. The provides vision-specific early intervention services to chil- highly-skilled and passionate staff are proud of what they dren from birth to three years of age. have accomplished. However, they know they have more work to do. Their continued growth and focus made them an ide- al recipient for the 2017 Indiana Housing Conference. “We just want to say thank you,” said VIPS Indiana Assis- Through this support, the organization has the ability to tant Director Meredith Howell. “Being selected as the ben- help dozens of additional families like Thyrealynn Pettit eficiary for the Charity Golf Outing is the greatest blessing and her adopted son Tristen. we could have received. We look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.” Thyrealynn adopted Tristen at birth and knew early on that something was wrong with his vision. Click here for more information about VIPS Indiana. •
Director of VIPS Indiana Annie Hughes, alongside IHCDA Executive Direc- tor Jacob Sipe, addresses golfers at the 2017 IHCDA Charity Golf Outing.
VIPS Indiana Assistant Director Meredith Howell (far left) and Director An- A map of children from birth to three years of age that VIPS Indiana has pro- nie Hughes (far right) are pictured with Thyrealynn Pettit and her adopted vided vision-specific intervention services to hangs proudly in their office. son Tristen.
www.in.gov/myihcda 13 Ray and his fiancée, Diana, in front of the home Ray purchased in 2017.
By Teresa Turner, Public Relations & Advocacy Manager
n a suburban Indianapolis neighborhood is a house ery to help others. A Veteran Peer Support Specialist does with a wooden sign beside the front door which reads that specifically for veterans, collaborating with a special simply, “Lay est. 2017. Welcome”. It is the home of Ray team of people dedicated to engaging veterans with se- Lay, a formerly homeless, honorably discharged U.S. Ma- vere mental illness. Ray is the longest serving veteran peer rine who lives with and is recovering from a dual diagnosis support specialist at Roudebush VA Medical Center. of schizoaffective disorder and poly substance abuse is- Ray also serves as a member of the Indiana Balance of sues. Ray was homeless for over 10 years but now owns his State (BOS) Continuum of Care (CoC), bringing the per- own home and serves helping others navigate the same spective of a formerly homeless person to the board. challenges he once faced. During his time on the streets, his mental health issues Ray serves as an Indiana Certified Recovery Specialist/ went untreated. Ray said his “Aha moment” came when he Veteran Peer Support Specialist. A Certified Recovery Spe- was homeless and he didn’t want to die that same way. He cialist is someone who lives with a mental health and/or said, “I went through struggles living on the street. Why not substance abuse disorder but is far enough along in recov- go through struggles to make life better?”
14 www.ihcda.in.gov Ray feels it is an honor to talk about his long journey of ple saying they are veterans who are not. If you can stand mental health and substance abuse, homelessness and and hold a sign, you can walk to the VA medical center. If incarceration. He said, “I have found that my sorrows can they’ll take one step, I’ll take two with them. Those perpe- help lead to joys for others.” He has been sober for almost trating fraud hurt everyone.” ten years, and he hopes that his own experiences can help Ray said he feels the greatest misconception people both the homeless and others see that recovery is possi- have about those who are homeless is that they want to ble with the foundation of stable housing. “A place to call be homeless. “No one is immune from being homeless. home can help propel others to become productive citi- A fire, a lightning strike, natural disaster, not accepting a zens despite past mistakes,” he said. mental health diagnosis, loss of a paycheck. It does not Being housed pro- discriminate. People think it won’t hap- vided both a catalyst pen to them.” and springboard for When asked what he would like peo- recovery. When Ray ple to know about helping homeless transitioned out of veterans, Ray replied, “Understand the homelessness, he had blanket of protection you sleep under a HUD/VASH voucher There is no light was provided by veterans. Some lost ev- for 6 years. Later he erything providing that so we can enjoy was happy to be able shining on the path this freedom we enjoy. Don’t take that to give the voucher for granted.” back so someone else to recovery, no could use it; hopeful- Homeownership is often referred to ly as a stepping stone, Point A to Point B. as “the American dream.” But to some- as he did, to achieve one homeless and living on the streets, more permanent sta- – Ray Lay just having a roof overhead can seem bility. like a dream, and an unattainable one at that. Seeing Ray and how far he has Ray said his favorite come really shows the impact stable housing and treat- part of what he does now is seeing people start and stay ment can have in someone’s life; and the lives of others. on the path of recovery. “There is no light shining on the path to recovery, no Point A to Point B.” He said that seeing Ray bought his house in 2017. The sign by his front door, a people progress also gives him strength and more impetus gift from his realtor, is a touching symbol of how far some- to stay on his own path. one can go in transitioning out of homelessness if given the opportunity to do so and support along the way. • I asked Ray what he sees as the biggest challenge in ad- dressing veteran homelessness. He replied, “Fraud; peo-
A tireless advocate, Ray was honored on September 19th with the 2017 CHIP Diamond Service Award at their Annual Celebration. Click here for more information.
www.in.gov/myihcda 15 Gary, Indiana: Placemaking from Blight By Sam Salvesen, Redevelopment Fellow - Gary Redevelopment Commission
ary, Indiana, is famous for steel and as the birthplace of the Jackson Five. But perhaps the city’s greatest feature is one that is seldom mentioned: its architec- ture. Founded in 1906, Gary quickly grew from a milltown to a metropolis, reaching 100,000 residents by 1930. During this period, architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and George Wash- ington Maher traveled to Gary in pursuit of the millions of dollars in building contracts. What they left was a diversity of design, from Prairie-School to Art Deco, Beaux Arts to Tudor revival.
This summer, to celebrate the city’s architectural legacy, the Gary Redevelopment Commission hosted the Gary Preserva- tion Tour, a series of tours showcasing historic sites both ac- Gary State Bank (now Centier Bank) tively used and abandoned. Two days were dedicated to guided tours, while a June 17th Open House—where 11 historic build- ings were open to the public—attracted 375 participants from GARY PRESERVATION TOUR Northwest Indiana, Chicagoland, and beyond. Participants GARY, LAKE COUNTY were allowed exclusive access into active buildings like the Raised: $9,050 former Gary State Bank (now Centier Bank), and the interiors Goal: $7,500 of abandoned buildings such as Union Station and the Gary Lead summer tours that highlight some of Gary’s architectural Post Office which were accessible via specially installed secure gems while securing two buildings for future redevelopment viewing stations, courtesy of the City’s Building Department.
16 www.ihcda.in.gov Viewing station inside Union Station
The Gary Preservation Tour was funded by a crowd-grant- ing campaign launched through Patronicity.com, as part of IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program. Differing from conven- tional grants, CreatINg Places allows changemakers to set The Gary Land Company building is on the national register of historic places a crowdfunding goal that, if achieved, receives a matching grant from IHCDA. Ultimately the Gary Preservation Tour While the Gary Preservation Tour featured high-pro- crowdfunded $9,250, leveraging a $7,500 match from IHCDA. file buildings, like the abandoned City Methodist Church Project deliverables married placemaking with blight re- (featured in Transformers 3, A Nightmare on Elm Street, mediation, boarding up two abandoned historic buildings, and Sense 8), perhaps the most popular destination was a installing street banners downtown, and hosting tours for small, unassuming white house in Gateway Park, located three days in the summer. across from City Hall on 4th Avenue. Its paint is peeling, and its location in the middle of a park looks out of place. But on tour dates the Gary Historical and Cultural Society opened the doors to the house to tell its story: It was the first permanent structure in the city, built in 1906 to house the Gary Land Company, a subsidiary of U.S. Steel. As the city’s first permanent structure, the Land Company build- ing also served as the first post office, the first school, the first polling place, and, when the first mayor was elected, the first town hall.
Placemaking banners installed in front of City Hall (left), Board-ups installed on the abandoned Gary Post Office (right)
Old abandoned buildings are considered eyesores, but the tour sought to adapt the narrative to focus on a sense of place and regrowth. No matter the condition, historic architecture forms dynamic places. Relics from the past— whether the Acropolis in Athens, or Whiskey Row in Lou- isville—should be preserved, in some form or another, as an important part of a community’s collective history. With City Methodist Church was abandoned in the 1970s. In creative placemaking, Gary can be shown in a different June, the Redevelopment Commission submitted a winning light—one that focuses on opportunities for redevelop- idea to the Knight Cities Challenge to convert the space ment, not demolition. into a ruins garden. •
www.in.gov/myihcda 17 Program Launch
n the morning of July 27th, 2017, mem- supportive of this wonderful program, and we just couldn’t bers of the press and key members of appreciate more what they all did to make ABLE a reali- state government gathered at the State ty for our state. And then Governor Pence signed this into House in downtown Indianapolis to wit- law March 21st, 2016 and throughout this entire process, ness the announcement of a new program our office has been deeply committed to the sustainability that will benefit individuals with disabilities and success of this program.” throughout the state: INvestABLE. INvestABLE allows Hoosiers with Disabilities to set up Indiana State Treasurer Kelly Mitchell expressed savings accounts, or 529A accounts, that will not limit their her enthusiasm for the program, describing the ability to benefit from Supplemental Security Income, program itself and how she believed it would help Medicaid, or other federal programs. It requires only $25 disabled constituents to gain financial stability to create an account, and there are 7 different investment and independence: “I am pleased to be able to of- options that a constituent can choose from. One includes a fer such an important service to Hoosiers. With IN- debit card so they can easily access the money they have vestABLE Indiana, individuals with disabilities, their worked hard to save. To be eligible, a constituent must have family members, and others can contribute funds an age of disability onset prior to age 26, and be entitled to to a tax-exempt ABLE account without affecting the SSI or SSDI, or provide a physician’s letter of diagnosis. individual’s eligibility for state and federal benefits. Indiana is proud to be launching this program for the This program allows individuals living with betterment of its disabled citizens, allowing them to disabilities an opportunity to build assets.” take their first steps toward becoming financially This plan was made possible independent and self-sufficient. by the passage of the ABLE For more information on Act of 2014, and since the ABLE program, contact then Indiana has worked their offices via phone at to make the state’s pro- 1-888-609-3457, via email gram a reality, as well at in.clientservice@save- as having a voice on how withable.com, or visit their ABLE legislation works on a website at https://savewith- national level. Treasurer Mitch- able.com/in/home.html. • ell praises the hard work of all involved, saying “Everyone was fully
18 www.ihcda.in.gov 1. Fort Wayne Program Launch: Treasurer Kelly Mitchell; 2. Evansville Program Launch: Kathy Morton (ASL Interpretor); Joe Langerak (Guest speaker & Chairperson, Arc of Evansville Board of Directors); Kelly Mitchell ; 3. Indianapolis Program Launch: Treasurer Kelly Mitchell; 4. Terre Haute Launch: David Ofsansky, (Exec. Dir. Arc of Vigo Co); Marlene Lu, (President Arc of Indiana); Kelly Mitchell (Indiana State Treasurer); Jay Goodier (President Arc of Vigo Co. Board of Directors); 5. South Bend Program Launch: MacKenna McGraw (ASL Interpretor), Kelly Mitchell, Emily Carroll (guest speaker), Rickey Bonds (guest speaker)
www.in.gov/myihcda 19 By Andrew Battiato Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Intern
his is the stark reality that some tenants face be- June receives rental assistance through the Housing cause of unaffordable housing costs. Kaloha Allen, Choice Voucher program and now lives in a senior afford- area manager of three properties that participate in able housing development in Nashville, Indiana. She is ex- the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, has seen tremely grateful for the rental help. the life-saving and changing impact of the program. “It just makes it easier to live because I am on a very “It’s been life-saving for a lot of these tenants. And I limited budget.” mean that literally. I mean some of these people were in The tenants are not the only beneficiaries of the pro- a position to choose—between rent and food. And that gram. Kaloha explains, “Usually our voucher residents are shouldn’t be… [The] resources really changed their lives.” some of our very best residents. We have the least prob- June Mercer, one of Kaloha’s tenants, knows what it is like lems, the least concerns. We have the least issues in get- trying to balance affording high rent along with other basic ting payment.” necessities. “My high rent made it very difficult for me.” Speaking from her position in property management, Some people might assume that tenants like June are she adds, “We get, in my opinion, just as much out of it as simply looking for a handout. But June, like many seniors the resident does because it benefits what we do. I think living in subsidized housing, has worked all her adult life. we’re definitely on the winning side of it as well.”
“Maybe people think that anything like this is for people Click here for more information on the HCV program. • who are lazy…but I want to work,” added June.
Pictured above is June Mercer (left) and Kaloha Allen (right).
20 www.ihcda.in.gov By Tom Pearson, Tax Compliance Underwriter
nion Home Mortgage (UHM), is a full-service mortgage banking company and one of IHCDA’s Participat- ing Lenders. UHM has been in the mortgage industry since 1970 and currently has branch offices in eight states. In the State of Indiana, UHM presently has eight branches, each of which offers all of IHCDA’s Home- ownership programs.
UHM is owned and operated by President and CEO, Bill Cosgrove. Prior to purchasing the company in 1999, Mr. Cosgrove worked as a loan officer. In addition to his leadership with UHM, Mr. Cosgrove held various positions within the Mortgage Bankers Association, including his election as Chairman in 2012. Rosemary Breeden Senior Mortgage Loan Processor, Union Home Mortgage
Rosemary Breeden is a Senior Mortgage Loan Processor with UHM and has been working with IHCDA Homeownership for approximately 25 years. Rosemary has the following to say about IHCDA Homeownership: “When submitting application to IHCDA, it is so much easier than in the past. Once UHM processing has completed the file, it is sent to one of our underwriters for final approval. The under- writer signs off on the Homeownership Affidavit and emails it to IHCDA for approval. This is amazing how fast and simple it is. Before the changes in the guidelines to the IHCDA programs, it was so time consuming, because of the amount of documenta- tion required.” I personally have had a family member utilize one of IHCDA’s Homeownership programs. After my wonderful niece graduated from IU, she wanted to purchase her first home. She was able to do it with the help of IHCDA’s down payment assistance program. I began working in the mortgage business in 1978, as an assis- tant. Then moved into processing in 1985 and have experienced a lot over the years, including many great memories of helping customers fulfill their dreams of homeownership, especially with first time buyers using one of IHCDA’s programs. •
www.in.gov/myihcda 21 HOME PLACE GARDENS GROUNDBREAKING CARMEL - JUNE 22, 2017 Hamilton County Area Neighborhood Develop- ment (HAND) was awarded HOME and CHDO Operating Funds for Home Place Gardens. The 10 units of new construction will be located on 1120 East 105th Street, Indianapolis.
GLASSWATER CREEK OF LAFAYETTE GROUNDBREAKING LAFAYETTE - JUNE 27, 2017 CRF Affordable Housing was awarded Rental Housing Tax Credits and Bond Volume for the new construction of Glasswater Creek of Lafayette. The 133-unit development will be located on 208 Beck Lane in Lafayette.
Planning a ribbon cutting or groundbreaking? Please make sure to invite us by e-mailing [email protected]
22 www.ihcda.in.gov BELVEDERE SUPPORTIVE LIVING COMMUNITY GRAND OPENING MERRILLVILLE - AUGUST 10, 2017 Bravo Properties opened their newest develop- ment, Belvedere Supportive Living Community, in Merrillville earlier this year with help from Rental Housing Tax Credits and Bond Volume from IHCDA. The development provides 126 units of new con- struction located on 343 East 90th Street.
LIFEDESIGNS AT MCKINLEY GRAND OPENING COLUMBUS - AUGUST 31, 2017 LifeDesigns held a grand opening event for LifeDesigns at McKinley earlier this year. For this project, they were awarded HOME funding for the new construction of 8 homes for individuals with development or physical disabilities in Columbus.
POSTERITY HEIGHTS GROUNDBREAKING FT WAYNE - SEPTEMBER 6, 2017 BWI, LLC in partnership with Joshua’s Hand, held a groundbreaking ceremony for Posterity Scholar House in Fort Wayne. BWI was awarded Rental Housing Tax Credits under the 2016-2017 QAP Gen- eral Set Aside as one of two developers selected to participate in the first year of the Moving Forward Program. Posterity Heights will feature 44 large, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments incorporating 500KW of solar and battery storage to create net-zero energy usage.
www.in.gov/myihcda 23 Kitchen staff Jeanea Riley, Latoya Moore, and Joanne Seymanowski.
By Teresa Turner, Public Relations & Advocacy Manager
n a rainy morning in South Bend I visited The Regional Kitchen for Inde- pendent Living, operated by Real Services. Clients of the kitchen receive delivered meals through the Meals on Wheels program. Staff start pre- paring meals at 3am for 10:30-11am delivery. When I arrived, volunteers were gathered in the dining area of the kitchen, laughing about the heavy rain and carefully checking their route sheets to make sure the numbered coolers contained the corresponding meals for clients.
Meals on Wheels runs on volunteers; about 150 of the agency’s 4,000 volunteers serve in this capacity. I rode along with one of them, Jeff Horn, as he delivered meals along one of the three routes he serves each week. Jeff said he started volunteering with Meals on Wheels because he wanted to give back. He delivers meals three days a week and has been volunteering with the program for ten years. Bernard Love and Latoya Moore preparing meals for delivery. 24 www.ihcda.in.gov Jeff and I chatted as he delivered meals to the twelve clients along his route. He expressed how rewarding it was, and how over time he and the cli- ents had come to look forward to their brief in- teractions. One man on the route wanted to show him photos of his grandson. An-
other, an 85 year old wom- Volunteer Jeff Horn delivers meals to clients Christine and John. an who is blind, calls him Volunteers checking their route sheets for the day’s deliveries. “Mr. Pepsi” and always of- fers him a beverage (a sto- Wheels program. They are now considering getting a ry which is apparently widely known among the volunteers). food truck to take the business on the road. Some were alone and some had a caregiver or family member The kitchen was their first real fund development with them. When one client didn’t answer the door, Jeff made effort. Becky Zaseck, Executive Director at REAL Ser- a note on the route sheet vices, said the big question in so that someone from Real the beginning was, “Can we do Services could follow up this?” The answer was clearly with a phone call to make a resounding “YES!” She said sure the person was ok. the City of South Bend and The Regional Kitchen for We all age better when surrounding community really Independent Living pro- stepped forward, happy to be a duces about 1,000 meals/ we’re connected. part of it. It took them less than day, and currently provides a year to raise 1.3 million dol- - Becky Zaseck meals in 5 counties. They lars when they started. Executive Director of REAL Services started fundraising for the Becky said the community kitchen 9-1/2 years ago. strongly believes in supporting Prior to the development local elderly adults. “We all age of the kitchen, they leased kitchen space in several places. better when we’re connected.” After seeing firsthand The kitchen operates a local catering business called “Sim- the interactions between clients and the volunteer de- ply Catering to You,” which caters events such as weddings, livering their meals, it is clear just how true that state- business luncheons, etc. 100% of the profits from the catering ment is. The kitchen isn’t just serving up meals; they business are recycled back into the REAL Services Meals on are also delivering support and a smile at the door. •
REAL Services is an umbrel- la organization for more than 20 programs that assist elderly, disabled and low-income individuals in 12 northern Indiana counties. Their programs address the needs of education, nutrition, self-sufficiency, and protec- tion for 30,000 people in northern Indiana each year.
Jeanea Riley and George Hawthorne, Director of Nutrition and Transportation.
www.in.gov/myihcda 25 By Brad Meadows, Marketing and Communications Director
hen you drive south down Highway 231 en- There are several pieces of advice Mayor Spinner tering Huntingburg, the first thing you see is would give to communities considering the Stellar Com- a sign that says “Welcome to Huntingburg, A munities Designation (SCDP) Program. However, what City Like No Other.” he felt to be the most important was for communities to maintain their identity. “The first and most obvious reason why Huntingburg is a City Like No Other is there is no other Huntingburg, said “Our application was truly a Huntingburg application,” Denny Spinner, Mayor of Huntingburg. “Not in the United added Spinner. “It wasn’t like anybody else’s and it reflect- States. Not in the world. We are the only Huntingburg.” ed the character of our community. And that is why we felt that we were ultimately very successful.” Just above the welcome sign you see a banner, although now slightly faded, that says Stellar Community. Three years into their Stellar journey and Huntingburg has made an incredible transformation. Despite undergo- “It was August 14th at 10:23am (in 2014) that then Lt. Gov- ing a number of projects simultaneously, they have stayed ernor (Ellspermann) announced that Huntingburg was in- true to themselves and keep moving forward. deed a Stellar Community, added Spinner. “It really had a transformational effect even before we started to have proj- Click here to view the video. • ects in place. It did rally the community. It did bring a sense of pride. It was something we could really be proud of.”
DOWNTOWN HUNTINGBURG LEAGUE STADIUM THE LOFTS AT ST. JOSEPH’S APARTMENTS A look at Downtown 4th Street. Through Historic League Stadium was opened in 1894. Completed in 2016, this new community features the Stellar Communities Designation It was renovated in 1991 for the filming of A 45 one and two bedroom units for seniors age 55 Program, a number of projects have been League of Their Own and served as the fiction- and over. Miller-Valentine Group and TRI-CAP com- completed or are under construction. al home of the Rockford Peaches in the movie. pleted the Lofts at St. Joseph development, along Future downtown plans include a concert It now serves as the home of the Dubois with support from IHCDA, Federal Home Loan Bank venue, additional façade improvements County Bombers of the collegiate summer of Indianapolis, Old National Bank and support and workforce housing. Prospect League. from the City of Huntingburg and Dubois County.
26 www.ihcda.in.gov ㈀ 㜀 䌀伀一䘀䔀刀䔀一䌀䔀 伀一 䐀䤀匀䄀䈀䤀䰀䤀吀夀 䤀一䐀䔀倀䔀一䐀䔀一䌀䔀㨀 䄀䌀䠀䤀䔀嘀䤀一䜀 吀䠀䔀 䜀伀伀䐀 䰀䤀䘀䔀 圀䤀吀䠀 䌀䠀伀䤀䌀䔀 䄀一䐀 匀唀倀倀伀刀吀 䐀䔀䌀䔀䴀䈀䔀刀 㐀 ☀ 㔀 圀䔀匀吀䤀一 䐀伀圀一吀伀圀一 䤀一䐀䤀䄀一䄀倀伀䰀䤀匀 刀攀最椀猀琀攀爀 漀渀氀椀渀攀 愀琀㨀 䜀䌀倀䐀⸀䤀一⸀䜀伀嘀⼀䌀伀一䘀䔀刀䔀一䌀䔀 䘀䔀䄀吀唀刀䤀一䜀 匀䔀一䄀吀伀刀 吀伀䴀 䠀䄀刀䬀䤀一Ⰰ 䐀䤀匀䄀䈀䤀䰀䤀吀夀 刀䤀䜀䠀吀匀 䌀䠀䄀䴀倀䤀伀一 ☀ 䄀唀吀䠀伀刀 伀䘀 吀䠀䔀 䄀䴀䔀刀䤀䌀䄀一匀 圀䤀吀䠀 䐀䤀匀䄀䈀䤀䰀䤀吀䤀䔀匀 䄀䌀吀
2017 AHAIN Affordable Housing Conference and Annual Meeting November 15-16, 2017 The Westin Indianapolis 241 W. Washington St. Presented by the Affordable Housing Association of Indiana ahainconf.org Co-sponsored by
2017 Aim Ideas Summit
Old National Events Plaza Evansville, Indiana October 10-12, 2017
aimindiana.org/members/events/ideas-summit/
www.in.gov/myihcda 27 The Faces of OOR By Elizabeth Murray, Real Estate Production Intern
PROGRAM OVERVIEW: was able to install a new heating, venting, and air condi- tioning system that the Hurts say enabled them to remain The Owner Occupied Rehabilitation program is an IHCDA in their home during that time. initiative that provides funds for the rehabilitation of exist- ing Hoosier homes. Rehabilitating outdated home features In addition to the ramp and HVAC installation, the Hurts can be undoubtedly expensive; consequently, people may also had the roof replaced and chimneys taken down. The choose to forgo the costs of home rehabilitation, even when renovations were covered by the OOR funding. Mary said outdated home features pose long term safety hazards. of the completed improvements, “Everything’s just really great…neighbors are telling us how fantastic our home PROGRAM IMPACT: looks. I am so proud; I feel so blessed, I really do.”
On July 27, IHCDA Real Estate staff visited the home of PROGRAM DETAILS: Ralph and Mary Hurt, a couple living in Seymour, Indiana, who received OOR funding for their home. The couple had Many OOR recipients have situations similar to the Hurt lived in the house for over ten years, and it had previously family; they have owned a house for years but projects been owned by Ralph’s parents. such as rewiring an electrical system or replacing a roof have taken a back seat to other bills. When arriving at the home, Mary and Ralph were eager to share about the im- Each household may receive up to $25,000 specifically pact the renovations for home repair projects, which are delegated toward the had on their living situ- most pressing health and safety concerns in the home as ation, particularly their dictated by the OOR priority list. The first priorities include health and security. lead-based paint, moisture intrusion (mold), and electrical Mary was in a wheel- systems hazards. Remaining funds have often gone towards chair and had previ- structural issues usually falling lower on the priority list, in- ously relied on her hus- cluding roof replacement, decking, or window repairs. band’s help to get her The funds are distributed to each household from either Mary and Ralph Hurt in and out of the front a grant administrator or a local unit of government, which door. The OOR funds paid for the construction of a ramp are awarded funding from IHCDA. For example, IHCDA that allowed Mary to safely and independently get in and may award up to $350,000 to the city of Seymour, which out of her house and to the sidewalk while in her wheel- then has a process for selecting household applicants. chair. She remarked, “I’m a more independent person, and If you are a low-income homeowner seeking to rehabili- I feel safe.” tate your home, contact your local unit of government and Another concern in the home had been the substandard encourage them to apply for Owner Occupied Rehab for air conditioning and furnace unit. According to Kevin John- your city or county. • son, the contractor who worked on the home, the recent summer weeks had brought record heat and extreme- ly high humidity levels. Mary and Ralph voiced concern about possibly having to shelter elsewhere if the heat could not be managed within the home, especially with Please click here to watch an interview with the Hurt Family. Mary’s current health conditions. Fortunately, Johnson
28 www.ihcda.in.gov Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Recipients 2015 - 2017
ST. JOSEPH ELKHART LAGRANGE STEUBEN LAPORTE
LAKE PORTER
MARSHALL COUNTY WARSAW
88 1212 NOBLE DEKALB JASPER STARKE 88 WHITLEY ALLEN
KOSCIUSKO COUNTY
PULASKI FULTON
WOLCOTT NEWTON
77 CAMDEN WABASH HUNTINGTON 1515 WHITE CASS MIAMI MARION WELLS ADAMS 88 BENTON BLACKFORD HOWARD 1515 CARROLL WARREN GRANT TIPTON DELAWARE JAY TIPPECANOE RANDOLPH CLINTON 1515 V E 1515 R FOUNTAIN M BOONE HAMILTON MADISON EAST MONTGOMERY I GERMANTOWN HANCOCK 77 L MARION 1515 1414 WAYNE L HENRY I RUSH O 1515 CITY OF 88 99 YETTE
N PARKE HENDRICKS SPEEDWAY FA 1111 DUBLIN CONNERSVILLE UNION CLAY 1414 LIBERTY PUTNAM 55 SHELBYVILLE FRANKLIN OWEN MORGAN
JOHNSON SHELBY 1212 VIGO BROWN HOPE 1414 MONROE 55 SULLIVAN DECATUR RIPLEY 99
BARTHOLOMEW COLUMBUS WORTHINGTON 1212 1414 WRENCEBURG 1212 LA GREENE 77 2015 99 AURORA SEYMOUR JACKSON NORTH VERNON 66 BLOOMFIELD 1111 BEDFORD JENNINGS 99 1414 OHIO CITY OF CROTHERSVILLE 2016 WHEATLAND LAWRENCE 77 JEFFERSON SWITZERLAND WASHINGTON 66 77 99 DAVIES MARTIN TOWN OF MITCHELL SCOTT HANOVER 1414 77 88 1010 2017 66 1414 AUSTIN WASHINGTON 1717 SANDBORN 1111 KNOX ELNORA PIKE SALEM 99 PETERSBURG ORANGE CLARK
CRAWFORD 77 FLOYD Year Number Number Amount of Awardees of Units Awarded GIBSON DUBOIS 1515 2015 12 152 $3,655,750 WARRICK TELL CITY 2016 20 198 $4,697,437 1515 HARRISON POSEY PERRY 1313 VANDERBURGH 2017 14 121 $2,700,000 ROCKPORT CANNELTON SPENCER TOTAL 46 471 $11,053,187
www.in.gov/myihcda 29 Plans to Develop Supportive Housing Presented at the 2017 Institute Finale By Brian Philps, Outreach and Communications Project Manager
Five supportive housing development teams from across the Hoosier state completed the 2017 Indiana Supportive Housing Institute in August held by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and the Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH). Plans to develop supportive housing were presented by teams from Elkhart, Plymouth, Indianapolis, Martinsville and Columbus.
MARTINSVILLE – HOPE SPRING APARTMENTS ELKHART – TEAM PHOENIX Vision – A sustainable Martinsville that supports everyone Mission – Provide safe, affordable housing that promotes Mission – To develop a housing community that improves health and wholeness for persons experiencing homelessness security, promotes stability, and fosters personal growth with mental health and addiction conditions LifeDesigns, Inc., Valenti Real Estate Services, Inc., LaCasa, Inc., Oaklawn Psychiatric Center, Anabaptist Milestone Ventures, WellSpring Center, HomeBank, Mennonite Biblical Seminary, and the City of Elkhart and South Central Community Action Program Simply put, the residents and those in need are surrounded by a team that is motivated by rebirth. Team Phoenix proposes This team expressed that the events that occurred in 2008 that from the ashes comes new life. were one of the key motivators in their efforts. Loss of a major employer and an increase of children eligible for free lunch went up to 50%. Not having the same opportu- nities for growth as larger metro areas, although in close proximity, is also an issue.
PLYMOUTH – 2017 PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING Vision – To create housing that supports and builds on the quality of life in Plymouth Mission – To provide safe, stable, affordable housing options through supportive housing to residents of Marshall County Garden Court, Inc., Bradley Company, Bowen, Saint Joseph Health System, Neighborhood Development Associates, United Way, SRKM Architecture, Marshall County Community Foundation, Plymouth Schools Foundation, the Heminger House, Marshall County Neighborhood Center, and the City of Plymouth Plymouth Mayor Mark Senter shared a story about the tragic loss of a young child, Serenity Williams, who was murdered on September 16, 2015 that sparked their involvement. Plymouth also participat- ed in the Point In Time count for the first time in 2016.
30 www.ihcda.in.gov COLUMBUS – VICTORY APARTMENTS INDIANAPOLIS – SUPER BLUE APARTMENTS Vision – A healthy community where everyone has hope Vision – To end homelessness in Indianapolis and opportunities to succeed Mission Statement – To provide low barrier, safe, quality afford- Mission – We will end homelessness in Region 11 by pro- able permanent supportive housing with easily accessible health viding quality, affordable, safe, and permanent housing and wellness services that can be replicated, while upholding the with supportive services and care that increases hope and utmost respect, dignity, and self-determination of all residents. opportunities for success, strength, and growth for all. Partners in Housing, Eskenazi Health, Community Construction The Architects of Hope consist of Thrive Alliance, Corporation, Guidon Design, Gennesaret Free Clinic, Adult & Child Centerstone, SRKM Architecture, and the City of Columbus Health, and the City of Indianapolis
In addition to team presentations, the Institute recognized three Hoosiers who NEW IPSHI DEVELOPMENT CITIES have worked tirelessly to increase support for, and the availability of, supportive LAPORTE STEUBEN ELKHART housing in Indiana. PORTER LAGRANGE ELKHART NOBLE DEKALB LAKE PLYMOUTH STARKE MARSHALL WHITLEY ALLEN KOSCIUSKO PULASKI FULTON
WABASH JASPER WHITE WELLS ADAMS NEWTON CASS HUNTINGTON BENTON MIAMI GRANT Rodney Stockment, Senior Strategy Director for TIPPECANOE CARROLL HOWARD BLACKFORD JAY WARREN Homelessness, Eskenazi Health CLINTON DELAWARE MADISON FOUNTAIN MONTGOMERY RANDOLPH BOONE V E R HAMILTON M HENRY I HENDRICKS MARION HANCOCK L PARKE PUTNAM L I INDIANAPOLIS WAYNE O RUSH N SHELBY FAYETTE UNION VIGO MARTINSVILLE CLAY FRANKLIN MORGAN JOHNSON DECATUR COLUMBUS Myra Wilkey, Executive Director, MHA of Vigo County OWEN DEARBORN SULLIVAN RIPLEY GREENE BROWN MONROE JENNINGS JACKSON OHIO
KNOX SWITZERLAND LAWRENCE DAVIES JEFFERSON
SCOTT MARTIN ORANGE WASHINGTON CLARK PIKE DUBOIS GIBSON CRAWFORD FLOYD
WARRICK HARRISON Danielle Sorden, Assistant Director/CR Director, PERRY POSEY VANDERBURGH Shalom Community Center SPENCER www.in.gov/myihcda 31 BY Chelsea Schneider, Municipal Innovations Specialist, Aim
32 www.ihcda.in.gov ith new housing people so close to our revi- developments, talizing downtown” said Joan two communities Fitzwater, the city’s planning are sending a message director. “We need this on to artists and entrepreneurs— so many different levels. It’s Live here. such a good opportunity for young talent. We can benefit The projects in Greenfield from the creative input, and and Decatur aim to attract res- young entrepreneurs and idents who will encourage the artists can benefit from our cities’ artistic and start-up at- community.” mospheres, while expanding af- fordable housing in their down- Both cities have made towns. strides in boosting their ar- tistic communities. Green- The goal is to help artists develop their ideas from con- field recently revitalized one of its alleys to feature lo- ception to the marketplace, said Melissa Norby, Decatur’s cal art, and Decatur has an annual sculpture tour which director of community development, of the 16-unit Second brings 27 public art pieces to the city’s downtown every Street Lofts project. The city will use part of the develop- year. The housing developments benefited from state tax ment’s first floor for public space, with plans to display lo- credits through the Indiana Housing and Community De- cal art and potentially offer art classes. velopment Authority. Biggs TC Development is heading up “We want residents to interact with our local communi- Decatur’s project, and Keller Development, Inc., is co-de- ty,” Norby said of the project that’s re-developing an old veloping the Greenfield project with Developmental Ser- music house in the heart of Decatur’s downtown. “We want vices Inc. them to be visible, so we know the people who are living Decatur Mayor Ken Meyer hopes the expanded housing there and doing their art.” options will bring new residents and businesses to down- Greenfield’s project, the 54-unit Broadway Flats, will town. And ultimately, one of the tenants could choose to offer common space for artists and young entrepreneurs open a business in Decatur and start hiring employees. to interact and launch their creative ideas. The building “It will give the community a place to learn from,” Meyer will feature a gallery, soundproof music room and studio said. • production lounge, among its amenities. What’s more: Res- idents will live right next to the community’s trail network with access to a bike pavilion and bike repair kiosk.
“Greenfield welcomes this work/live attraction for young
Broadway Flats perspective
www.in.gov/myihcda 33 Photo Credit: NBC News
LIHTC Owners Can Assist Persons Displaced by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma By Matt Rayburn, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Real Estate Development Officer
n August 25, 2017 areas of Texas received a that is (1) declared a Major Disaster by the President and (2) Major Disaster Declaration as a result of Hur- designated as eligible to receive FEMA individual or public ricane Harvey. Shortly thereafter, Hurricane assistance. Per Revenue Procedure 2014-49 (9% LIHTC proj- Irma impacted Florida resulting in another Major ects) and Revenue Procedure 2014-50 (bond projects), once Disaster Declaration on September 10, 2017. These two these designation requirements have been met the state major disasters have displaced many individuals and fam- housing credit agency can then elect to authorize its LIHTC ilies who are now looking for new homes on a temporary owners and management companies to provide emergen- or permanent basis. In an effort to help these displaced cy housing relief. Through the RED Notices, IHCDA formally persons, IHCDA has authorized all Indiana LIHTC own- authorized all of its LIHTC owners and management com- ers and management companies to provide emergency panies to utilize these relief provisions. If you own/operate housing relief as announced in RED Notice 17-47 (Harvey) projects in other states, make sure to check with the appli- and RED Notice 17-50 (Irma). This article summarizes the cable state housing credit agency for approval. emergency housing relief rules, but owners and manage- For purposes of determining eligibility for emergency ment companies are strongly encouraged to refer to the housing relief, a displaced individual is defined as some- RED Notices for full details. one that “is displaced from his or her principal resident In 2014, the IRS released two Revenue Procedures ex- as a result of a Major Disaster and whose principal resi- plaining how LIHTC units can be used to provide emergency dence was located in a Major Disaster Area designated as housing relief after individuals are displaced from an area eligible for Individual Assistance by FEMA.” Such individu-
34 www.ihcda.in.gov als may move into vacant LIHTC vidual remains in a LIHTC unit units in one of two ways: after the temporary housing period ends (assuming they 1. If a displaced individual qual- weren’t already treated as a ifies as a low-income house- normal new move-in), then hold based on LIHTC eligibil- A displaced individual is defined at that time the owner must ity, then the owner may move obtain all required income the household in as a regular as someone that “is displaced qualification documents to LIHTC qualified household from his or her principal resident determine if the household or may apply the emergency as a result of a Major Disaster is eligible to remain (i.e. must housing relief rules. and whose principal residence treat the household as a new 2. If a displaced individual does move-in and process and ini- was located in a Major Disaster not qualify as a low-income tial income certification). If household based on LIHTC Area designated as eligible for the household is not LIHTC eligibility, then the owner Individual Assistance by FEMA. eligible then it can no lon- may move the household into ger remain in the unit at the an available market rate unit completion of the temporary or may move the household housing period. into a LIHTC unit by applying the emergency For additional information, including compliance con- housing relief rules under Rev. Proc. 2014-49 or siderations and recordkeeping requirements, please see 2014-50. In other words, displaced persons may the applicable Revenue Procedures and IHCDA RED Notic- occupy LIHTC units even if they aren’t eligible, es. And as a final note, please remember that these rules though as described below this allowance is apply specifically to the LIHTC program. If your project has only temporary. other funding sources you still need to follow all the com- This option only exists during the defined “temporary pliance rules of those programs. housing period” which begins on the first day of the disas- Matt Rayburn is the Deputy Executive Di- ter incident period as defined by FEMA and ends on a date rector and Chief Real Estate Development determined by the state housing credit agency. The dura- Officer for the Indiana Housing and Com- tion of the temporary housing period cannot exceed 12 munity Development Authority. He can be months from the end of the month in which the President reached at [email protected]. • declared the Major Disaster. For Hurricane Harvey, the rel- evant temporary housing period for emergency housing relief begins on August 23, 2017 and ends on August 31, As of the date of publication, the necessary FEMA assistance 2018. For Hurricane Irma, the relevant temporary housing approvals are not in place for IHCDA to approve the same pro- visions for persons displaced by Hurricane Maria. However, if period for emergency housing relief begins on September this occurs, IHCDA will release a RED Notice with information 4, 2017 and ends on September 31, 2018. If a displaced indi- specific to Hurricane Maria.
www.in.gov/myihcda 35 www.in.gov/ihcda